When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a creamy pasta bake. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce that embraces it all with flavors of Cajun spice. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to unfold on a bustling weeknight or a cozy family dinner. I remember the first time I tried this dish, and it quickly became a favorite. The creamy texture paired with a gentle kick of heat is simply irresistible and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe is a celebration of flavors and convenience. It’s quick to prepare, making it a standout choice for busy weeknights when you need something both hearty and satisfying. Budget-friendly, it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, sparing you a last-minute grocery store run. Plus, with the perfect balance of creaminess and Cajun spice, it’s a sure-fire hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just to treat yourself on a Wednesday night, this dish fits the bill.

“This pasta bake was a game changer for our weekly dinners! The kids loved it, and I loved how easy it was to whip up.”

The cooking process explained

Creating this tantalizing Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a straightforward and rewarding process. You’ll start by cooking your pasta, then sautéing the chicken with Cajun seasoning for depth of flavor. After that, it’s all about the creamy sauce packed with melted cheeses and vegetables. Finally, combining it all together before baking creates a bubbly, golden masterpiece that’ll have everyone eager to dive in.

What you’ll need

Gather these items for an unforgettable dinner:

12 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Note that you can swap the pasta shape if you prefer, and fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor even further.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, for about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and combined with the vegetables.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper, continuing to stir until the sauce is creamy and luscious.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and introduce the drained pasta, mixing everything until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Best ways to enjoy it

To enjoy this delightful dish, consider serving alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top just before serving can elevate the flavor, and a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with its rich creaminess.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, this dish freezes well; simply transfer to an appropriate freezer container, and it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before popping it back in the oven to reheat.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even more successful:

Cook the pasta just slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking while baking.
If you prefer more kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.

Creative twists

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your flavors or dietary needs. Swap the chicken for shrimp for a different protein, or try using different vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Gluten-free pasta can easily replace traditional pasta for a gluten-free version that still offers all the creaminess!

Common questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or milk, but this may alter the creaminess and flavor.
How long does it take to make?
This dish takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Embrace this delicious Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake as your go-to recipe for any occasion! You’ll love how it combines ease with irresistible flavors, making every bite a celebration of comfort food. Enjoy!

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A creamy pasta bake featuring tender chicken, Cajun spices, and a rich sauce that creates a comforting family dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12 oz penne or rotini pasta You can swap the pasta shape if you prefer.
2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed Use fresh chicken for best results.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust based on desired spice level.
2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
1 small onion, diced A yellow or white onion works well.
1 piece red bell pepper, diced Can substitute with other colors as preferred.
3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened Low-fat options can be used but may change texture.
1 cup heavy cream Can replace with milk for a lighter version.
1 cup chicken broth Use homemade for better flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to mix different cheeses.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Extra for garnish if desired.
1 teaspoon paprika For added flavor and color.
to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
to taste Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) Adds a fresh touch to the presentation.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, cooking until brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and combined with the vegetables.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper, continuing to stir until the sauce is creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and introduce the drained pasta, mixing until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

To enjoy this dish, serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread. Elevate the flavor with extra Parmesan on top. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

Keyword Cajun Chicken, comfort food, Creamy Pasta, Family Dinner, Pasta Bake